The Crime of Driving Without a License in California

Under California law, individuals who do not have aproperty tax exemption, or obtains any other
valid driver's license are not allowed to drive onprivilege not normally extended to nonresidents.
California roads.Driving without a license under section 12500 is
Vehicle Code Section 12500 provides thatnot as serious as driving with a suspended or
unlicensed drivers are not allowed to drive onrevoked license. Driving without a license under
highways or offstreet parking facilities. Offstreet12500 can be an infraction or a misdemeanor, and
parking facilities include parking facilities for thecan be corrected. If you have received several
public and parking lots for retailers. Drivers oftickets for violating Section 12500, you could have
motorcycles or motorized bicycles in Californiayour license suspended or revoked. However,
must hold a special class of license, unless theyalthough a violation of section 12500 is not as
are renting a motorized bicycle for a period ofserious as driving with a suspended or revoked
less than 48 hours.license, if you receive a citation for a violation of
Section 12500 can be applied when an individualsection 12500, you should consult a California
has moved to California from another state, butattorney to insure your legal rights are protected.
has failed to obtain a valid California driver's license.Driving with a suspended or revoked license, a
According to the DMV, once a person hasviolation of Vehicle Code Section 14601.1 is more
become a California resident, that person has 10serious. A first offense can result in jail time or a
days in which to obtain a California driver's license.fine of between $300 and $1,000, or both. A
An individual becomes a California resident whensecond conviction will result in jail time and a large
he or she votes in a California election, paysfine.
California resident tuition, files a homeowner's